A Little Bit About New Zealand

Why Am I Going?

I have chosen to student teach abroad in New Zealand for a number of reasons. Here are just a few... First of all, it will be a completely unique experience...one I might never have a chance to do again in my lifetime. Secondly, I am passionate about travel and see incredible value in learning as much about the world as I possibly can. I have been fortunate to have had many opportunities already to travel abroad. The experiences I have had have been some of the most rewarding and amazing memories and learning opportunities of my life. I hope to broaden my worldview even more by taking on this brand new adventure. Lastly for now, I will have an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally throughout the two months that I spend teaching abroad.

About New Zealand and Waitakere

New Zealand is a small country made up of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It is located approximately 1500 miles to the southeast of Australia and the area it covers is comparatively the size of Colorado. There are two main islands, the North and the South. I will be staying in the Waitakere region of the North Island in a small town called Swanson. It is to the west of Auckland by about a 1 hour drive. The North Island is volcanic and beautifully landscaped, but the South Island is much more rugged and varied in it's terrain. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, but Auckland remains it's largest city.

Population, Government, and Currency

Roughly 4.3 million people inhabit New Zealand. Their population is comprised of mostly European influence but also contains a large population of a native tribe, the Maori's. Additionally, Asian and Polynesian influence has come to New Zealand, addind a rich culture and vibe to the nation. The most commonly spoken language is English. The government is run by the Prime Minister alongside a democratic Parliament. New Zealanders also hold a special reverence to Queen Elizabeth II in England for ceremonial purposes but she has little to no governing power in the country. The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Approximately 1.43 NZD is equal to 1.00 USD

Seasons and Weather

New Zealand has a sub-tropical/temperate climate with large variations due to its tremendous landscapes. There are four seasons but they fall at different times of the year due to the rotation and tilt of the earth.

Spring - September, October, November
Summer - December, January, February
Autumn - March, April, May
Winter - June, July, August

I will be in New Zealand during their spring and summer months with temperatures ranging between the 50's and upper 80's

Swanson School

I will be teaching at Swanson School with Year 3 and 4 (Nikau) students. They will be roughly 8 and 9 years old. My cooperating teacher is Debra Logan. Swanson school enrolls between 470 and 500 students for Years 1-8 (grade levels).

http://www.swanson.school.nz/Site/Home.ashx

Professional Goals and Cultural Development Objectives

While abroad in New Zealand this fall, I will:

• Fully and open-mindedly immerse myself in a new country and culture.
• Explore and travel the country to gain an understanding of the people, history, culture, and lifestyle in New Zealand.
  
• Gain new insights into the field of education by learning and applying various strategies in my host school and later in my future career as a teacher. I am especially excited to explore the system of Literacy Education and bring back new ideas.
  
• Grow in my own teaching style as I build new knowledge into my strategies and philosophies.
  
• Build meaningful relationships with my host family, host school, and community.
  
• Grow personally and professionally as I become more culturally aware, confident, and independent.